In many endoscopic surgeries, precise control of internal tissues is difficult. This invention is a new endoscopic tool for pulling (lifting) and cutting mucosal tissue safely. It consists of a thin wire with many small protruding notches, a closed-loop of thread that can attach like a pulley, and clips that hold these in place inside the body. In practice, a surgeon clips the wire to the target tissue and fixes a loop on another point of the cavity wall. When the surgeon pulls the other end of the wire, the notches catch the loop and lift the tissue steadily toward the second clip. The loop slides over the notches like a pulley but locks so the tissue does not slip back. This gives precise, controlled traction with just one tool instead of many. The improved control means shorter procedures, less risk of accidental damage, and potentially better patient outcomes. It is aimed at internal procedures (e.g., in the esophagus, stomach, colon) but could be used wherever pulling tissue inside the body is needed. It helps doctors perform faster, safer minimally-invasive surgeries.
Problem
Endoscopic tissue manipulation is challenging because access is constrained and visibility is limited, as noted in the description. Surgeons currently need cumbersome multi-tool setups to hold and cut tissue, which increases complication risk and procedure time.
Target Customers
Likely end users are surgeons and medical teams in gastroenterology or other minimally-invasive surgical fields, and the hospitals or clinics where they work. Medical device manufacturers serving these markets would also be relevant customers or partners.
Existing Solutions
The patent implies existing endoscopic tools are simpler (e.g., standard clips, forceps, simple wires) without this notched locking mechanism. It does not detail specific prior art, but current practice generally uses multiple separate instruments for traction and cutting rather than a single integrated device.
Market Context
The device is aimed at gastrointestinal endoscopy (upper and lower tract) and potentially other minimally-invasive surgeries. If effective, it addresses a large segment of endoscopic procedures, but it is specialized to surgical settings rather than general consumer use. The potential market appears broad within GI and surgical devices.
Regulatory Context
This is a classically regulated medical device for internal human use (endoscopic surgery). It will need to meet stringent healthcare regulations (e.g. FDA, CE) and safety standards, and clinical validation will be required. This implies significant regulatory and liability oversight.
Trends Impact
This invention aligns with healthcare trends toward minimally-invasive surgery, improved patient safety, and efficiency in medical procedures. It supports patient outcomes and cost-reduction goals in the medical sector. Its impact is mainly in advancing surgical technology.
Limitations Unknowns
The provided text does not include data on performance, cost, or clinical results. It is unclear how easily surgeons will adopt it or how it compares quantitatively to existing tools. Details on materials, manufacturing complexity, and competitor devices are not given.
Rating
This patent addresses a clearly significant surgical problem and presents a novel mechanical solution, giving it strong scores in problem importance and novelty. It promises clear efficiency and safety advantages over current tools, but exact benefits are unquantified. The market (gastroenterology devices) seems large but specialized. Feasibility is high since it uses simple mechanical components. However, regulatory hurdles for internal medical devices are heavy, reducing its short-term attractiveness. The IP appears modest in breadth (specific design), and competitors could find workarounds. Overall, the concept is solid but comes with normal medical device adoption challenges.
Problem Significance ( 8/10)
Controlling internal tissues in endoscopy is known to be a difficult, safety-critical issue as the text notes. The device aims to reduce complications and time, indicating a meaningful problem; endoscopic surgery safety is clearly important.
Novelty & Inventive Step ( 8/10)
The combination of a notched traction wire with a self-locking knot loop is described as unique. This specific pulley-like mechanism for tissue traction is not found in standard practice, showing a clear inventive step.
IP Strength & Breadth ( 6/10)
Claims focus on the specific notched-wire and loop design in endoscopic use. This likely protects the exact mechanism, but similar solutions could be designed differently. The scope is moderate since it covers particular features rather than a broad concept.
Advantage vs Existing Solutions ( 8/10)
The patent explicitly states this device reduces the number of tools, shortens procedure time, and improves control. These are tangible benefits over standard methods. Even without data, the qualitative improvements in safety and efficiency seem substantial.
Market Size & Adoption Potential ( 7/10)
Gastrointestinal endoscopies are widespread, indicating a sizable market for improved tools. The invention applies to esophagus, stomach, colon, etc., indicating a broad relevant field. However, exact market size and adoption barriers are not detailed.
Implementation Feasibility & Cost ( 8/10)
The concept is mechanically straightforward (wire, loops, clips), so development seems feasible with standard medical manufacturing. The description is high-level, but no exotic technology appears needed, suggesting moderate development cost.
Regulatory & Liability Friction ( 2/10)
As an internal surgical device, this will face stringent regulatory approval (e.g. FDA/EMA). Approval processes and liability concerns are significant, indicating very high regulatory friction.
Competitive Defensibility (Real-World) ( 4/10)
The idea can likely be replicated; it's not fundamentally difficult. Similar traction systems or improvements could arise, so the edge may be temporary despite the patent if others innovate differently.
Versatility & Licensing Potential ( 6/10)
Likely uses span various GI endoscopy procedures (esophagus, stomach, colon) and potentially other minimally-invasive surgeries, giving multiple licensing paths. However, it remains confined to medical applications.
Strategic & Impact Alignment ( 7/10)
The invention aligns with healthcare goals such as patient safety and minimally invasive techniques. It clearly addresses a medical need. Its impact is mainly in health outcomes, which is a strong strategic fit in medical innovation.